Electrically-heated fabric and the like



Dec. 24, 1929. w, GRAHAM 1,741,054

ELECTRICALLY HEATED FABRIC AND TflE LIKE F-iled Oct. 11, 1926 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Jwenfilr 1. 4 Malia)" ,0 Gin/Lain.

wwaw g De. 24, 1929. I w, GRAHAM 1,741,054

ELECTRICALLY HEATED FABRIC AND THE LIKE Filed Oct. 11, 1926 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 azzuenia Malia/a0, Gra/zam.

Dec. 24, 1929. w. D. GRAHAM I ELECTRICALLY HEATED FABRIC AND THE LIKE Filedpct. 11. 1926 s Sheets-Sheet Patented Dec. 24, 1929 UNITED STATES- wnxrnn n. (manna, ormvna ronnsr, rungprs nLEcrnIcaLLY-nnArEn FABRIC AND r m LIKE Application filed October 11, 1926. Serial m. 140,8;

This invention has to do with improvements in electrically heated fabrics and the,

worked into the same in order to give the desired distribution ofheating effect over a fabric of whatever shape and design may be selected. -F or example, the article to be produced may be regular, or circular, or oval,

or of numerous irregular designs; but according to the features of the present invention it is possible to distribute the heating wire'or wires uniformly and in proper manner over the area of the selected pattern so .as to give the desired amount of uniform heating effect all over said area. Another feature of the invention relates 23 to the provision of an arrangement whereby the foregoing result may be secured without the necessity of using a special set-up in the harness mechanism of the weaving ma chine, thus making it unnecessary to change the set-up of the 100m each time thata different shape or size of. article is to be produced:

In connection with-the foregoing, it is a further object to make it possible to weave the fabric as a continuous strip of uniform weave and width, and thereafter very readily and easily insert the heating wire or wires 'into the body of the fabric so as to cover the selected design or area, so that the fabric may 40 then be cut out around said selected design or area, which. will thereupon carry the heating wires as a continuous heating. unitor heating units embodied within the confines,

of said area. In this way it is possible to set out various designs upon the face of the woven fabric, placing said designs thereon according to such a matching as will usethe material of the fabric in the most economical manner, the heating wire orzwires being then worked into the fabric within the various t after described and claimed.

areas as self-contained heating units. These areas may if desired then be cut out individually, and each will have its own heating wires and heating element, and at the same time the amount of fabric material used during the process will be reduced to a minimum. Another feature of the invention relates to the provision of a fabric which is so woven asto greatl facilitate the subsequentintroduction of t 'e insulated heating wire into the weave of the fabric. This subsequent operation is performed as an operation separate and distinct from the weaving of the fabric itself.

In this connection, it is a further object to therein which are uniformly located so as to facilitate the subsequent introduction of the wire by a convenient form of needle or in other manner.

A further object in connection with the foregoing is to provide a-fabric which has the loops or skip stitches so distributed that the strain imposed by the introduction and presence of the wires will be uniformly distributed and thrown on to all of the different will appear from a detailed description of the same, which consists in the features of constructlon and combinations of parts herein- In the drawings,- Fig.1 shows a face view of a section of fabric of one weave which embodies the features of the present invention; J

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary; section on the line 1 2-2 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows, but modified by illustrating the heating wires in place and by the presence of top and bottom coverings;

' Fig. 3 is a fragmentary section on the line 3'3 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows, prior to the introduction of the wire' v Fig. 4 is a fragmentary, transverse section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2, looking in the dlrection of the arrows, but on an enlarged scale;

' that there are esta Fig. 5 is a length of fabric woven according to the disclosures of the present invention and having worked therein heating wires according to three different des gns which have been laid out on the face of the fabric, the designs and fabric being shown more or less diagrammatically;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary, plan view, similar to Fig. 1, but illustrating a modified form of weave in which the loops or skip stitches are brought alternately to opposite sides of the fabric; and

Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are fragmentary sections on the lines 77, 88 and 99 of Fig. 6, looking in the direction of the arrows, but modified by the illustration of the heating wires in place.

Referring first to the weave which is shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the same comprises a series of longitudinally extending warp threads 10, together with a weft 1 1 which is woven back and forth from the border 12 to the border 12. Usually this weft 11 is of relatively heavy material as compared to the warps 10, for example, jute or the like.

The weaving o eration is so conducted hlished periodical skips 13 in which the warps ass over (or under) more than a single we t, so as to establish loops wherein the warps are free of the wefts to an extent which permits the heating I wire to be afterwards threaded into place.

In the particular weave illustrated in Fig. 1, the skips 13 are established at the position of every fourth warp measured across the width of the fabric, in line with each other, so that the heating wire may be afterwards threaded into the fabric by picking up these skips with a suitable needle or other tool. \Vhen the heating wire has thus been woven into place across the width of the fabric it will be supported by every fourth warp, thereby giving it ample support.

Examination of Fig. 1 also shows that each warp is so woven as to establish one of the skips 13 for every twenty Weft movements, so that .the loops re. in line with each other lengthwise of the fabric at definite spacings,

- as well as beingv in line with each other across fabric.

the fabric.

Examination of Fi 1 also shows consecutive warps have t eir loops formed at consecutive positions lengthwise of the Thus there are established the rows of loops 13, 13, 13 and 13, said rows being successively stepped in such fashion that, although the loops of each individual warp are formed at intervals of twenty wefts, still considering all of the loops of different warps, they are spaced from each other only five wefts lengthwiseof the completely woven fabric.

It is thus dpossible, by the use of the 'lifl:'erent longltu inal warps, to establish groups of loops coming in succession and in' such loops, while at the same time avoiding the' formation of loops excessively close together across the width of the fabric. Furthermore, the weave illustrated is such as to distribute the strain on all of the differ ent warps after the heating wires have been threaded into place.

The fabric having the properly formed and located loops, is easily woven on any suitable loom, and this is readily accomplished by the use of a suitable harness arrangement, combined with the head, cam or other movement.

Usually the fabric will be woven as a continuous length and of a width appropriate for the average manufacturing conditions.

After the fabric has been woven, the different designs of heating elements which are to be made may be outlined on the surface of the woven fabric, as shown, for example, by the dotted lines 14, 15 and 16, illustrated on Fig. 5. These outlines may be readily sketched in on the surface of the woven fabric by means of colored pencils or in other convenient fashion. Furthermore, the desired outlines may be so located on the surface of the fabric as to make use of the latter to the best advantage and in the most economical manner.

In Fig. 5, the outlines 14;, 15, and 16 correspond to pads which are to be octagonal, oval, or of special shape, depending on the purposes for which they are intended. Many other shapes and desi ns may be outlined, and I do not intend to imit the usefulness of the invention to any particular shape or design. After a particular design has been thus outlined, the heating wire 17 therefor may be threaded into the fabric by threading it back and forth across the face of the fabric and through the loops established, in the In this connection, the

threaded through the successive loop rows 13, 13, 13 and 13 since these successive rows are uniformly s aced and are separated from each other by The distance lengthwise ofthe fabric which has been previously selected as the correct spacing of the successive passes of the wire. This arrangement will insure that the distribution of the wire within the completed article is correct to give the proper heating effect per square inch of surface. In other words, in the original weaving operation the various rows of loops 13, 13, 13 and 13- may be separated from each other lengthwise of the fabricthe correct diswarps has the 100 s 20 formed on the top tance to insure thedesired ultimate distribution of heating'wire.

In Fig. 2, I have shown a cross section illustrating the heatin wire 17in place within tortion of the b0 y of the fabric. In Fig. i

2, I have also shown cover sheets 18 and 19 in place against the top and bottom surfaces of the article so as to protect the heating element and the wires.

. Fi 3 shows the fabric before the wires have been threaded into place, and illustrates one of the 100 s' 13 in its collapsed condition and before it 1s opened out to accommodate the wire.

It will be noted that in the fabric already explained all of the loops areformed on one side thereof. In some cases it ma be desirable 'to establish a distribution 0 heating wires on both sides of the fabric, some of the wires being placed against the top surface and others against the bottom surface. In such case the loops should be formed alternately at the top and bottom surfaces of the fabric.

. Such a fabric is illustrated in Fig. 6. Examination thereof willshow that one of the surface, whereas t e third succeeding warp has loops 21 formed on the bottom surface. The next warphas a 100 20 formed the top surface ofthe fa ric, and the fb rth succeeding war has loops 20 formed on the top surface of t e fabric and in line with the loops 20 first referred to. c This arrangement is such that the successive passesbf heating wire may be placed successiveiy against the top and bottom surfaces of the abric, as is clearly illustrated in Figs. 7, 8 and 9, which are sections of the fabric taken on the lines Z7, 8-8 and 9 9'of Fig.

6, looking in the'direction of the arrows.

It will be understood that the heating wires may be threaded into the loops of the :fabric either before the various designs are cut out from the body of thefabric or afterwards; but if the fabric is cut out 'it should be cut out "on a size somewhat larger than the actual limits of threading of the wires.

This is for the purpose ofavoiding unraveling ofthe fabric as much as possible after the designs are cut. out. It will be noted, how- 7 ever, that whenjthe. different designs are cut out from the body of the fabric they do not have selvages around their edges, and it will also be noted thatthe actual threading of the wires into place is a distinct operation f om the manufacture of the fabrlc itse Nevertheless, the initial weaving of the fabric is performed with the definite purpose of ultimately accommodating the wires at the proper spacing and in such a manner as to insure the desired distribution ofheatlng eifect.

a inst.

,weft oops 'modatej wires extending lengthwise of the "to the length of the weave.

and accommodation of heatingwires.

as to establish the skips and loops.

Furthermore,- the skips themselves may be of whatever size is desired. In the draw- .ings'tliskips are shown as being formed bythe passing of a weft (or warp) consecutive'ly at the same side of three war s (orwefts). If'loops of lar or size are esired they may be readily esta lished by skipping a greater number of threads. Furthermore,

t -he weaving operation ma be conducted so as to bring the skips and oops either closer together or farther apart. Ordinarily, they will be formed at regular intervals, or perhaps one halfinch apart lengthwise of the fabric that is, in the direction of the length of .fabric).-- When all of the loops'are used to support wires this will bring the wires themselves the same distance apart '(for exever, be so introduced as to omit every other loop, thus doubling thespacing between the wires, or tripling such spacing, or increas-.

in it in other'multi les. 1 v

It w'ill be noticed t atthe skips or loo s appear articularl on the warps when 100 ing at igure 1.- t is, nevertheless, also true. that there are loops on the wefts, such as shown at 13 in Fig. 1, the weft loops facing at'lzri 'ht an les to the warp loo s. These tIierefo're may be-use to accomfabric:- It is therefore understood that eat; cept as I may do so in the claims I contemlate the formation and use of loops extendmg ineither or both directions with respect Furthermore, the loops herein disclosed are uniformly distributed overthe surface of the fabric. Any other suitable distributlon arrangement ma be used if desired.

The fabric erein disclosed is capable of use in a largenumber of ways for the su pxort ese. wires may be run in through the loops in an almostinfinite variety of ways. For exam Ie, the wires may be run in in regular order 'to the other, thus bringing the terminals-of "thewires a considerable distanceapart; Or

ample, one half inch) 1 The wires may howack and forth from one end of the article possible to build up a large article, uch ,as an aviators suit, making the sameiof this fabric; and afterwards the heating wires may be worked into the loops in whatever manner is desired in order to give the proper distribution of heating effect at all parts of the uniform.

May other weaves may be used besides those herein illustrated; and it will be understood that I do not intend to limit myself to the weaves illustrated except as I may do so in the claims.

I claim: 1. As a new article of manufacture a woven fabric comprising a series of longitudinally extending warps together with a transverse weft woven back and forth between the warps to form a continuous length of fabric, the weft normally passing above and below consecutive warps of each throw and there being periodical skips wherein a warp passes to the same side of two or more wefts in succession to thereby establish a series of loops in the warps, successive skips being out of line with each other to thereby break joints and thereby distribute the warp loops in the positions of the different weft 'throws, and a suitable outline indicated on the surface of the fabric to designate the limits of insertion of a suitable heating wire, substantially as described.

2. As a new article of manufacture a woven fabric comprising a series of longitudinally extending warps together with a transverse weft woven back and forth between the warps to form a continuous length of fabric with the weft normally passing alternately above and below consecutive warps of each throw, and there being periodically skips wherein the weave is irregular to thereby establish a series of loops in the weave, said loops being "located in alignment with each other in a given direction of the fabric, and a suitable outline indicated on the surface of the fabric to designate the limits of insertion, of a suit able heating wire, substantially as described.

3. As a new article of manufacture a woven I fabric comprising a series of longitudinally extending warps together with transverse weft woven back and forth between the warps to form a continuous length of fabric, the weave being irregular at periodical positions over the surface of the fabric to thereby establish a series of loops on one surface of the fabric, the loops being in alignment with each other in groups, and a suitable outline ind'i cated on the surface of the fabric to designate the limits of insertion of a suitable heating wire, substantially as described.

of insertion of a suitable heating wire, substantially as described.

5. As a new article of manufacture a woven fabric comprising a series of longitudinally extending warps together with a transverse weft woven back and forth between the warps to form a continuous length of fabric, the weave being periodically lrregular at positions in alignment with each other in one direction with respect to the fabric to thereby establish a series of groups of loops in alignment with each other all for the purpose specified, substantially as described.

6. Asa new article'of manufacture a continuous length of fabric comprising longitudinal warps and transverse wefts, the weave of said fabric being periodically irregular to thereby establish a series of groups of loops in ali nment with each other in one direction of fabric and for the subsequent accommodation of a heating wire or the like, substantially as described. 7

7; The method of producing a heating ar-' rangcment or pad of desired contour which consists in first weaving a length of fabric comprising longitudinal warps and transverse wefts, the weave being so conducted as to establish a series of loops on one surface thereof, thereafter introducing the heating wire or wires into'said loops to thereby attach said w resto the surface of the fabric,

WALTER D. GRAHAM.

4. As a new article of manufacture a woven fabric comprising a series of longitudinally extending warpstogether with a transverse weft woven back and forth between the warps .to establish a continuous length of fabric the 

